📈 Today's Commercial Property & SMSF News
Brisbane Property Market Set for Continued Growth, Forecast to Reach New Records in 2026
Brisbane's real estate market is projected to achieve new record price levels in 2026, with forecasts indicating a potential growth of 7 to 10 percent for the Queensland capital next year. This anticipated rise comes despite expectations that interest rates will remain stable. While still strong, this growth rate is slightly slower than the 13.7 percent increase seen in 2025. The report also highlights Perth as another capital city expected to experience significant price appreciation, following its 15.5 percent growth this year. Currently, Brisbane's median dwelling price is nearing the $1 million mark.
Source: www.news.com.au
Australian Lenders Announce Mixed Interest Rate Changes Ahead of Christmas
A notable trend has emerged among Australian financial institutions regarding interest rate adjustments just before the Christmas period. Reports indicate that a significant number of lenders, specifically 35, have implemented increases to their interest rates. Conversely, a smaller group of seven lenders has chosen to decrease their rates. This creates a varied and dynamic landscape for homeowners and borrowers, reflecting diverse strategies within the Australian lending sector.
Source: www.news.com.au
Sydney's Lower North Shore Sees New Luxury Listing Poised to Challenge $23 Million Sales Record
A newly listed opulent residence in Castle Cove, Sydney's lower north shore, is attracting attention as it is expected to achieve a sale price that could rival or surpass the recent $23 million record set by Lisa Wilkinson for her Cremorne Point property. The extensively renovated, architect-designed home at 47-49 Neerim Road features seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and parking for six vehicles, and is distinguished by its unique, grand aesthetic. This listing highlights the continued strength and high-value transactions within Sydney's exclusive real estate market.
Source: www.news.com.au
📊 Yesterday's Key Developments
Australian Lenders Show Mixed Interest Rate Movements Before Year-End
According to new data from Canstar, Australian financial institutions have demonstrated a varied approach to interest rates over the past month. A significant number of 35 lenders opted to increase their rates, predominantly affecting fixed home loan products. Conversely, a smaller group of seven lenders unexpectedly chose to reduce their rates. This trend of rising fixed loan rates was observed even prior to the Reserve Bank Governor's indications against further rate cuts, suggesting that lenders were proactively adjusting their pricing strategies. These diverse rate changes have direct implications for Australian homeowners as the year draws to a close.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Sydney Property Market Forecast to Decelerate in 2026
Sydney's housing market is anticipated to experience a slowdown in price growth throughout 2026, according to a recent PropTrack report. Following a robust 2025, the pace of appreciation is projected to temper, with dwelling prices expected to increase by 5-7 percent. This moderation, which would still see the median property value surpass $1.3 million, is attributed to several factors: potential future interest rate adjustments, a rise in unemployment, and an increase in available housing stock. Buyer activity, which was strong earlier in the year, has already begun to cool, setting the stage for more subdued conditions in the coming year.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Darling Point Apartment Value Doubles in Two Years Following Renovation
A harbourside apartment in Darling Point, Sydney, has achieved a remarkable sale, doubling its value in just two years. The owner purchased the 293sqm, four-bedroom unit at 8/39 Sutherland Cres for $6.82 million in November 2023. Recognizing its potential despite its dated condition, the owner invested approximately $1 million in renovations to modernize the property. Subsequently, the apartment, boasting harbour views, was sold off-market for $13.65 million. The successful transaction highlights significant capital appreciation in the prime Sydney real estate market, particularly for well-located properties that undergo strategic upgrades.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Drummoyne Waterfront Mansion Smashes Inner West House Price Record at $28.9 Million
The inner west Sydney property market has witnessed a new benchmark with the sale of a waterfront mansion at 2 Lyons Rd, Drummoyne, for an unprecedented $28.9 million. This transaction significantly surpasses the previous Drummoyne house price record. The buyers, owners of the Citywide Chemist Group, are reportedly relocating from a historic Arnott’s estate in Strathfield. The newly acquired four-level residence, situated on a substantial 1200sqm estate with 27 meters of waterfrontage, is heralded as one of Sydney’s most exquisite absolute waterfront properties, reflecting strong demand for luxury real estate in prime locations.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Melbourne Property Market Forecasts Moderate Growth for 2026 Amidst Buyer Caution
New forecasts from PropTrack indicate that Melbourne's housing market is poised for a modest price increase of 5 to 7 percent in 2026, suggesting a period of stabilization rather than rapid expansion. Despite having the financial capacity to purchase, many prospective homebuyers in Melbourne are delaying their decisions due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding interest rates, optimal timing for market entry, and the overall costs associated with moving. This cautious sentiment among buyers contrasts with Melbourne's recent performance, as it has lagged behind other capital cities in the current property cycle, positioning it for a potentially stronger, albeit measured, recovery.
Source: www.realestate.com.au
Netwealth to Pay $100 Million in Compensation to First Guardian Super Fund Investors
Financial services firm Netwealth has reached an agreement with the corporate regulator, ASIC, to compensate over 1,000 clients who invested in the now-failed First Guardian superannuation fund through its platform. The settlement, exceeding $100 million, will see Netwealth pay the face value of these investments by January 30. The company acknowledged that it had not gathered sufficient information to adequately assess the risks associated with First Guardian, despite previously asserting compliance with legal obligations. This resolution follows a similar compensation agreement ASIC secured with Macquarie regarding another collapsed fund, and it places increased scrutiny on other financial service providers, Diversa and Equity Trustees, who also facilitated investments into First Guardian.
Source: [object Object]
Inflation Continues to Dominate Australian Economic Outlook Post-Election
Despite the recent federal election, inflation remains a central concern for the Australian economy, as highlighted in the latest mid-year budget update. The Treasury has increased its inflation forecasts for both the current and upcoming financial years, indicating that while some price increases may be temporary, persistent underlying inflationary pressures are evident. Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the ongoing challenge, underscoring that managing rising prices continues to be a primary focus for economic policy, overshadowing other potential reform agendas.
Source: [object Object]
Australian Share Market Stalls Amidst Mixed Sector Performance
The Australian stock market experienced a period of stagnation, struggling to establish a clear trend. Strong performances from companies in the iron ore sector provided some stability, counteracting the poor showing of the energy sector, which was on track to record its most significant weekly decline since April. This indicates a divergent performance across key market segments.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Western Australian Government Commits $435 Million to Housing Initiatives
A recent podcast highlighted the Western Australian government's substantial financial commitment of $435 million towards addressing housing needs. This significant investment is intended to bolster the state's housing sector, indicating a strategic focus on expanding housing availability and affordability within the region.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Forrest-Backed Fiveight Secures Approval for $22 Million Cape Lodge Redevelopment
Fiveight, an entity backed by the Forrest family, has received official approval from a development panel to proceed with a significant $22 million redevelopment project at Cape Lodge. This decision paves the way for the reconstruction of the prominent South West property, signifying a notable investment in the region's commercial real estate and hospitality sector.
Source: www.businessnews.com.au
Published: Friday 19 December 2025 | Fresh Articles: 39 | Sections: 13 | RunID: 2025-12-19T08:15:18+11:00
Enjoyed this article?
Get weekly commercial property insights and market updates.
Join 450+ property investors • Unsubscribe anytime